Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has dissolved the State Executive Council, marking a major political development in the oil-rich state amid ongoing reconciliation efforts.
The decision was announced on Thursday in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Onwuka Nzeshi. According to the statement, all commissioners and special advisers were directed to hand over to Permanent Secretaries or the most senior officers in their respective ministries with immediate effect.
Governor Fubara, in the statement, expressed appreciation to the outgoing members of the council for their service to Rivers State and wished them success in their future endeavours, noting their contributions to governance during their tenure.
The dissolution came barely 48 hours after the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, confirmed renewed efforts to resolve the political crisis in the state. He revealed that President Bola Tinubu had convened a meeting with key political stakeholders, including Governor Fubara and his predecessor, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Speaking on Tuesday after inspecting projects, Wike disclosed that the meeting, held on Monday, February 9, was at the President’s instance. “I remember this is the second time the President is intervening and believe by the grace of God, this is going to be the last time,” he said. “I have told the assembly to do the needful and obey Mr. President, which I know they will not hesitate to do. I also believe the governor will carry out his own part to make sure that this is the final time Rivers people will hear this kind of discord.”
Meanwhile, reports indicated that after the meeting, Governor Fubara accompanied the FCT Minister to his residence in Guzape, a move seen by observers as a possible sign of easing tensions. However, it remains uncertain whether lawmakers loyal to Wike will withdraw the impeachment notice against the governor or if the latest talks will result in a lasting political truce in the state.
